• I dream of the day when these, the African mathematicians and computer specialists in Washington and New York, the African physicists, engineers, doctors, business managers and economists, will return from London and Manchester and Paris and Brussels to add to the African pool of brain power, to enquire into and find solutions to Africa's problems and challenges, to open the African door to the world of knowledge, to elevate Africa's place within the universe of research the information of new knowledge, education and information -Thambo Mbeki, former South African President
  • They therefore concluded that “the findings of this (and other) surveys indicate that coverage of Africa, by the leading sources of American media is, at best, dismissive of the continent’s progress and potential, and thus leading to continued ‘exotification’ and marginalization of the African continent. At worst, coverage disregards recent trends toward democratization, thus betraying an almost contemptuous lack of interest in the potential and progress being achieved on the continent.”

Above excerpt is from a writer: Gbemisola Olujobi

  • By Gbemisola Olujobi - The Africa You Need to Know - Posted on Nov 28, 2006 See Full Article above

Why is the African image so negative?

  • Tell the Truth
  • What is your image of Africa?

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Books Help Change Lives

We all know that education changes lives.

Reading, writing and learning fuels the juices in us to rise up to unstoppable levels. Levels that produce imagination, inventions, breakthroughs and higher advancements.

When a child has an opportunity to be educated, given direction and assistance - this opens doors that can not be closed. Doors that bring opportunities. These opportunities define that child's destiny. Look at your own life.

I was raised and grew up in East Africa, and it's no secret that part of my heart never left. I had the opportunity to be in great schools, with support from my family and teachers. I received my rewards, graduated and now looking back, I'm so thankful and grateful for all who played a part in who I am today.

Today in the same region, are some schools with kids who have no books. If we are to bless the coming generations, and if we are to make this world a better place, we don't have a reason not to start now.

Life is only what you make of it. A long time ago, I decided mine was to make it a better place for those around me and for those that I know need my help. I'm not more important than anyone. I am not special, but I am blessed so that I can bless others in return.

For these kids, it all starts with a book, a pen, and paper. Their dreams can only start if someone helps them start to dream. Some miss school because of such simple supplies. Some schools have no chalk, and important formulas, words and math get bypassed because there is nothing to write with.

With something to read, they become imaginative. With something to write on, they can write their dreams. Their lives will begin to change. That's the joy of being apart of this. When you realize that a change is coming and that kid's life will never be the same again.

I hope the books never stop being of interest. I hope the books never stop coming.
That way, their dreams will stay alive.

To all my friends, family and acquaintances. Now that we have the opportunity to work, smile, eat and be merry, lets share the old books, new books, pencil cases, pens, pencils, erasers, note books for the kids and chalks for the teachers.

Let's allow the kids to dream. Give books that you don't need. They will change their lives.

Ask me how.

Thank you.
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